Getting rid of kibble (dry food) and feeding a species-appropriate, meat-based diet is the best thing you can do to improve the health of your cat. This is because cats obligate carnivores, which require a diet of meat and organs to survive and thrive. 

As the owners of The Happy Beast, a small natural pet food and supplies store in Lafayette, CO, we have committed a great deal of our time to educating our customers and increasing awareness about why kibble can be detrimental to a cat’s health. Despite this, we’ve continued to sell it. Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to sell something that we believe contributes to a variety of the health issues we see in cats today. Selling kibble has become the equivalent of preaching health and wellness on one hand, and then eating a diet of fast food and potato chips on the other hand.

But we've decided to make a change and hope you'll join us! Starting on July 4, 2016 we're declaring Kitty Kibble Independence Day, which is the last day we'll carry kibble (dry food) for cats in our store. 

Why is cat kibble a problem? Here's why: 

• Too low in moisture. Can lead to kidney and urinary tract issues.
• Too low in animal protein. Animal proteins provide the full spectrum of amino acids, including Taurine, which a cat needs, whereas plant-based proteins such as peas and potatoes do not. Peas and potatoes are the most common “binder” found in grain-free kibble, and can make up as much as 44% of the total kibble diet!
• Too high in Carbohydrates. All kibble, even “grain-free,” contains an average of 25% carbohydrate (a cat’s natural diet is generally less than 2%). This excess amount of carbohydrates promotes obesity because it is higher in sugar and causes cats to overeat. Cats tend to overeat kibble because the carbohydrates in it do not trigger satiety like fats and proteins do. Additionally cats lack the enzyme, Amylase, which is responsible for digesting carbohydrates.

How can you help make a change? 

• Join us in pledging to join cat lovers everywhere in declaring our independence from kibble (dry food) on July 4th, 2016 – Kitty Kibble Independence Day
• Between now and then, research and sample a variety of meat-based, biologically-appropriate food for cats, including canned, air-dried, freeze-dried, and raw food diets. You can find more information at the Feline Nutrition Foundation (feline-nutrition.org) or if you live near Lafayette, CO, stop by The Happy Beast for free samples.
• On July 4th, 2016 (or better yet, sooner!) start introducing new meat-based diet options to your cat. 
• Celebrate every day like the 4th of July as you begin to see improvements in your cat's health and well being. 

Good luck and contact us with any questions!

Thanks, 

Natalie and Matt